The 3D Finish tools are available in a barrel, oval, taper or lens shape and are ideal for the five-axis finishing of free-form surfaces, such as in tool and die production or, in the aviation and aeronautical industries. The cutters are available in a wide variety of size and style to ensure the ideal cutter geometry for any component shape. Also, in terms of application they are universal in that the 3D Finish milling cutters are suitable for machining steel, stainless steels, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, heat-resistant steels and hardened steel.

Manufacturing companies are constantly looking to reduce machining times, their search may be over with the arrival of WNT’s 3D Finish range, which provides quick and reliable results, especially on time-intensive finishing processes, where it offers huge potential for shortening cycle times and improving productivity.

The NeoMill-Alu-QBig indexable insert milling cutter from Mapal stands for top performance in high-volume milling of aluminium. The tool manufacturer thus offers a very economical solution for use on high-performance machines, such as those found primarily in the aerospace industry.

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Born in South Africa, Hein holds various industry and management qualifications and has more than 24 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry. He has previously had management roles in sales, design, production and training. His last role saw him responsible for various projects for the pump and valve industry, railway as well as the manufacturing of munitions.

“As a result, the new Twin holder will save customers a considerable amount of time when changing tools.”

The new 3D Finish from WNT (part of the Ceratizit Group) is said to enable users to significantly reduce the time spent on finishing processes carried out on 5-axis machines, while achieving improved surface qualities at the same time. The WNT 3D Finish tool range is a development of the ball-nose end milling cutter and has been designed with a large radius (up to 1,500mm) in the cutting area. This feature allows the cutters to achieve considerably increased stepovers when compared to conventional ball-nose cutters with the same tool diameter. The result is processing times in pre-finish and finish machining reduced by up to 90%, without the workpiece, tool and machine being subjected to a higher load. Much greater widths of cut (ap) are also possible so, in addition to reduced cycle times, surface quality is maintained, but is the user chooses to reduce the step-over then surface quality can be improved significantly. A typical Ø 20mm ball nosed cutter would achieve a surface quality of Ra1.6 µ with a stepover of 0.5mm, but with the 3D Finish and a radius of 1,500mm, the stepover could be increased to 6.93mm with the same surface quality result.

The next Southern Manufacturing & Electronics show will take place from 4th to 6th February 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre.

Ultimately, the all-directional PrimeTurning method and CoroTurn Prime tools will ensure that manufacturers can complete their turning operations in a much more efficient way. Compared with conventional turning, a 50-80% increase in productivity, along with 1.5 to 2 times more tool life, can be achieved.

Walter has now launched its new X·treme Evo Plus drill from the DC180 Supreme product family that is now available up to 8XD for the first time.

Cutting tool and tooling system specialist Sandvik Coromant has unveiled a new range of CoroTurn® Prime multi-task and axial type tool holders to help machine shops implement the new PrimeTurning™ methodology, which enables turning in all directions. The introductions allow users to maximise the benefits of PrimeTurningon multi-task turn-mill centers and vertical turning lathes (VTLs). Complementing the company’s existing radial tool holders, Sandvik Coromant now has a complete offer for PrimeTurning operations.

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Six new multi-task tool holders are being introduced, which are mounted at a 45° angle for B-axis machining and can be used with either CoroTurn Prime A-type or B-type inserts. Options for multi-task machines include four tool holders (one-insert only) and two Twin tool holders (two inserts). The CoroTurn Prime Twin tool holder is available for use with Coromant Capto® C5 – C8 size.

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In assessing the cost-effectiveness of the WNT 3D Finish tools, the machining experts at the Ceratizit Group carried out extensive trials. These highlighted the major time savings that can be achieved when compared to a conventional 10 mm diameter ball nose cutter. In the trial a 100 x 200mm component was milled at a feed of Vc 200m/min. Owing to the higher stepover of 1.5mm for the 3D Finish (compared to 0.1mm for the ball nose cutter), the total milling travel was reduced from 200m to just 13m, with a corresponding reduction in cycle time from 79 minutes to 7 minutes and a resulting reduction in machining cost of 88%. To fully exploit the advantages of the 3D Finish tools fully, a modern 5-axis machining centre and compatible CAD/CAM software are required, such as Open Mind’s hyperMILL MAXX, which supports the tool geometry, other software suppliers also offer CAD/CAM solutions.

One of the highlights of the range is the CoroTurn Prime Twin tool holder for multi-task machines. Both CoroTurn Prime A and B-type inserts can be mounted together on Twin tool holders, allowing manufacturers to undertake roughing with a B-type insert before switching to finishing with an A-type insert, for example.

In a significant move to streamline mechanical testing and enhance material insights, Airbus is collaborating with Plastometrex to support the standardisation of PIP (Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry) – the innovative mechanical testing technique developed and commercialised by the Cambridge-based technology provider.

“Modern multi-task machines are intended for the complete machining of components but typically have a slow tool changing time, often around 15-20 seconds,” says Håkan Ericksson, Product Manager General Turning at Sandvik Coromant.

Tooling manufacturer, Horn has introduced a new carbide insert grade, SG66, for turning components from steel that has been case hardened to 58 HRC.

For further details contact Sandvik Coromant on TEL: 0860 101 008 or Mary-Ann Haylett on TEL: 011 570 9615, or email: mary-ann.haylett@sandvik.com or visit www.sandvik.coromant.com

Hein Nel appointed as new Sales Manager Sandvik Coromant have announced the appointment of Hein Nel as its new Sales Manager with immediate effect. Hein will be responsible for contributing to Sandvik Coromant’s overall strategy and increasing offerings to both existing and new customers. Hein will oversee marketing, strategic business partnerships and sales in South Africa and Sub-Sahara.

Sheffield Business Park Europa Link S9 1XU UNITED KINGDOM

A range of axial tool holders for vertical turning lathes is also part of the range, which means that Sandvik Coromant now has a complete offer for PrimeTurning: Axial, radial and multi-task tool holders. In total, eight dedicated tool holders for axial mounting are being launched. This type of tool holder is compatible with most types of vertical lathes, and is available in Coromant Capto for use with either CoroTurn Prime A-type or B-type inserts.

As a further advantage, B-axis machining on multi-task machines permits the operator to programme the angle of the tool in precise increments. When the machine cuts using its B-axis, a lot of accessibility is created using neutral holders. In combination with streamlined operations, this delivers the potential for huge time saving and productivity increases to help manufacturers reduce tooling inventories and achieve competitive gains.

As the Advanced Engineering show approaches, there are fresh announcements of cutting-edge technologies and products to be showcased at the upcoming event at the NEC in Birmingham on October 30 and 31. As a result, this year’s exhibition is shaping up to be a must-attend for engineering and manufacturing professionals, offering a glimpse into the f...

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Although PrimeTurning is applicable to the entire general turning area, machine shops with large batch sizes (automotive) are set to benefit most, as will those machining large components (aerospace), where there is a need to reduce tool changes, set-up time and production stops.

Hein commented: “I look forward to expanding Sandvik Coromant’s business locally and look forward to helping customers on their digitalisation journey.”

Manufacturing companies are constantly looking to reduce machining times, their search may be over with the arrival of WNT’s 3D Finish range, which provides quick and reliable results, especially on time-intensive finishing processes, where it offers huge potential for shortening cycle times and improving productivity. The new 3D Finish from WNT (part of the Ceratizit Group) is said to enable users to significantly reduce the time spent on finishing processes carried out on 5-axis machines, while achieving improved surface qualities at the same time. The WNT 3D Finish tool range is a development of the ball-nose end milling cutter and has been designed with a large radius (up to 1,500mm) in the cutting area. This feature allows the cutters to achieve considerably increased stepovers when compared to conventional ball-nose cutters with the same tool diameter. The result is processing times in pre-finish and finish machining reduced by up to 90%, without the workpiece, tool and machine being subjected to a higher load. Much greater widths of cut (ap) are also possible so, in addition to reduced cycle times, surface quality is maintained, but is the user chooses to reduce the step-over then surface quality can be improved significantly. A typical Ø 20mm ball nosed cutter would achieve a surface quality of Ra1.6 µ with a stepover of 0.5mm, but with the 3D Finish and a radius of 1,500mm, the stepover could be increased to 6.93mm with the same surface quality result. The 3D Finish tools are available in a barrel, oval, taper or lens shape and are ideal for the five-axis finishing of free-form surfaces, such as in tool and die production or, in the aviation and aeronautical industries. The cutters are available in a wide variety of size and style to ensure the ideal cutter geometry for any component shape. Also, in terms of application they are universal in that the 3D Finish milling cutters are suitable for machining steel, stainless steels, cast iron, non-ferrous metals, heat-resistant steels and hardened steel. In assessing the cost-effectiveness of the WNT 3D Finish tools, the machining experts at the Ceratizit Group carried out extensive trials. These highlighted the major time savings that can be achieved when compared to a conventional 10 mm diameter ball nose cutter. In the trial a 100 x 200mm component was milled at a feed of Vc 200m/min. Owing to the higher stepover of 1.5mm for the 3D Finish (compared to 0.1mm for the ball nose cutter), the total milling travel was reduced from 200m to just 13m, with a corresponding reduction in cycle time from 79 minutes to 7 minutes and a resulting reduction in machining cost of 88%. To fully exploit the advantages of the 3D Finish tools fully, a modern 5-axis machining centre and compatible CAD/CAM software are required, such as Open Mind’s hyperMILL MAXX, which supports the tool geometry, other software suppliers also offer CAD/CAM solutions. www.wnt.com/uk/cutting-tools/milling-tools/3d-finish.html